Summary of the invention
An object of the present invention is to make portable terminal in the communication system can initiate switching to the radio access network of required or desired type.
Achieve this end by being used to carry out the method for switching between system via the portable terminal of the radio access network access communications network of the first kind.Described communication network comprises this radio access network at least of this first kind and the radio access network of second type.Switch between suggesting system for wearing and initiate to the transmission of communication network by portable terminal.This transmission will comprise and show that the radio access network that carry out from the first kind is to the information of switching the system of the radio access network of second type.
Should be pointed out that term " switching " is intended to also to comprise the sub-district and selects.
Portable terminal by comprising the parts that are used to realize institute's suggesting method and communication network be same realizes purpose of the present invention.In addition, realize this purpose by comprising the network element or the network switch that are used to analyze the indication of switching between the required or desired system of portable terminal and are used to trigger the parts of this switching.At last, realize purpose of the present invention by the communication system that comprises this portable terminal and this communication network.
The present invention comes from following notion: in some cases, best radio access technologies is that portable terminal is relevant, and only is known on network after portable terminal is made corresponding indication.Therefore, suggestion switches to alternative decision based on being initiated by the transmission of portable terminal to portable terminal from a kind of radio access technologies.
An advantage of the present invention is, switches between system and can carry out immediately according to indivedual requirements of portable terminal.
According to the present invention, before or after setting up the calling or context activation of being asked, switch if desired, then make mobile phone can initiate this handoff request specially.After call setup or context activation, for example when the user browsed the portal of operator and click the URL(uniform resource locator) (URL) of only 2G of his required content of expression, switching may suit the requirements.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention become fully aware of by dependent claims.
Show that the information of switching between should executive system can be present in the direct request of portable terminal of particular radio access technology, perhaps be present in the information, in network, can draw the necessity of switching indirectly according to this information.
In order to realize direct request, for example, preferred wireless electricity access technology can be stored in the tabulation in the portable terminal.This tabulation can show which kind of radio access technologies which business or content will ask by.Portable terminal for each required in perhaps business then send corresponding indication.Portable terminal can be especially set up in the new cell in the signaling or is being added in the new information in the signaling sequence to network delivery preferred wireless electricity access technology adding existing connection to.
In order to realize indirect request, the tabulation of preferred wireless electricity access technology can be kept in the network element of communication network, specifically, be in the attaching position register (HLR) at portable terminal, in the cognitive gateway GPRS of business (general packet radio) support node (GGSN), perhaps in the network switch.If radio access technologies is for example relevant with certain content, business, interior perhaps type of service or APN (APN) in this tabulation, then select radio access technologies in the tabulation that portable terminal content, business or the APN of asking can be used for being stored from HLR, professional cognitive GGSN or the network switch.
Except that APN, the indication that URL that is asked by portable terminal or target ip address also can be used as required or desired radio access technologies.
Can be specifically in the SGSN of the core net of communication system, estimate APN, simultaneously, in the GGSN of the core net of communication system, perhaps in the network switch that is connected between core net and the content server is provided, also can analyze URL or target ip address.At present, this network switch is used for miscellaneous service buret reason task.
In all situations, network can determine from received information for the needs that switch, and based on this point, allows not have the delivery of content switched, permits switching and allows delivery of content after the successful switch, perhaps the obstruction delivery of content of being asked.When the user has utilized PDP (packet data protocol) context or data call to browse, will utilize the PDP Context or the data call that have existed that delivery of content is arrived terminal.
In first preferred embodiment of the present invention, switch and depend on the content that portable terminal is asked.Therefore, this mode connects content and radio access, and they constitute two long-range aspects from the viewpoint of system design.According to the content correlated information of portable terminal, carry out the sub-district of switching or network control and select again.The advantage of this specific embodiment of the present invention is that content supplier can limit the access right to its content certain network, and for example limits according to this and control charging.
This embodiment of the present invention is specially adapted to following situation: when the portal website of user's browsing operator and attempt access operator when only the radio access network of second type being had the content of licence, operator wishes mode mobile terminal is switched to from the radio access network of the first kind radio access network of second type.First network can switch to second network to the user in the almost imperceptible mode of user, and the user also can use professional via second network then.This dual-mode terminal can be a 3G/2G portable terminal for example, and first radio access network can be the 3G radio access network, and second radio access network can be the 2G radio access network.Usually do not require switching, therefore not necessarily need to provide from 2G to the 3G system.
Advantageously, the content detection point is set to switching controls point approaching as far as possible, so that make affected interface minimum number.
For content-based switching, show that the information of required switching can for example be provided by content itself, perhaps APN, target ip address or the URL that sends to network by portable terminal provides.If for different radio access technologies provides two different APNs or target ip address, then network can determine to adopt which kind of technology according to APN that is provided or target ip address, thereby determines whether to require to switch.Portable terminal can comprise the user who is used to make terminal can be between two diverse access point titles or target ip address the parts of manual switch so that the business that visit provides via two dissimilar radio access networks.If content detection be for example at the url list of having stored the content that only can use by the specific wireless power technology so that in the professional cognitive GGSN of comparison or the network switch, realize based on the URL that transmitted, then compare based on the solution of APN or target ip address with employing, can realize better user friendly and more professional design, because it allows single APN and single target IP address are used for dissimilar contents, for example only 2G and radio insert irrelevant content.On the other hand, for example the possibility of selecting between different APN may be useful for the user, because it provides more controls to its terminal for the user.For example, if charge type is different in GPRS and 3G, then the user can select a kind of suitable charge type by selecting APN.By the cognitive GGSN of business, this flexibility can only be provided by a context AP who covers a plurality of professional APN.
In second preferred embodiment of the present invention, switch and depend on that expection is professional, for example because this business is only just available via the radio access network of particular type.Service related information according to portable terminal is provided when calling out beginning if switch for this service needed, then switches portable terminal.Therefore, this method makes portable terminal can visit certain business, for example foundation calling, and this business is only just not available to a kind of radio access network of its registration at present via portable terminal.Another advantage of this specific embodiment of the present invention is that the realization of portable terminal can be simplified because can be from providing the network/net neutrality of requested service be requested service.
If second embodiment realizes in the 3G system, then preferably new cell is added to portable terminal and issue in " foundation " message of communication network.This new cell then can be used to the notifying communication network wants to be used for institute's requested service about portable terminal radio access technologies.
In the 3rd preferred embodiment of the present invention, switch and to depend on that portable terminal is the selection of specific connection to the particular radio access technology, for example because the business that portable terminal is asked is to adopt this particular radio access technology can be more effectively or the business of more economically working.An advantage of this specific embodiment of the present invention is, business can be based on the Internet resources of the flexible allocation of portable terminal, and its allows webmaster is expanded to terminal.
Can be specifically in call establishment or when the PDP context activation, take place according to switching between system of the present invention.
For the switching of WCDMA to GSM, by introducing new probable value " HO will be performed to GSM " for optional " the professional switching " cell in the RANAP message " RAB request for allocation " on the Iu interface and " relocating request ", actual switching can be embodied as for example based on the expansion of known load with the switching of business.Compare with known 3G system, by this new value, RNC no longer has switching controls completely, although final decision is still made by RNC.This new value is suitable for realizing content-based switching of being advised and the switching of being advised based on new business.Perhaps, can be realization and switch the new parameter of definition according to of the present invention one or more.
Particularly paid close attention to for following situation the present invention: the particular radio access technology is because of some technical reason, be more suitable in the multiband portable terminal as the advantage of the 3G system of the field intensity of received signal or 2G/3G double frequency-band portable terminal.Under feasible situation, the present invention allow according to new reason, as in expecting perhaps availability of traffics be transformed into another not preferred radio access technologies.
Advantageously, one embodiment of the present of invention can be worked providing under the professional multiservice environment of for example WAP (WAP (wireless application protocol)), HTTP (HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)) and FTP (file transfer protocol (FTP)).
Obviously, can realize switching between different types of system in communication system, the present invention only requires to realize to switch between at least a system by the portable terminal initiation.
Therefore, switch between system of the present invention and not only can realize WCDMA and GSM/GPRS, and can be to realizing switching interested any system between this system therebetween, for example for the switching of travelling carriage from WLAN (WLAN (wireless local area network)) to GSM.
In addition, the present invention also can realize packet switching service and circuit-switched service.
By the detailed description below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, other purpose of the present invention and feature will become very obvious.But, should be appreciated that accompanying drawing only is used to illustrate rather than the definition of limitation of the present invention, this definition should be with reference to appended claims.It is also understood that drafting in proportion of accompanying drawing, they only are used for from conceptual illustration structure as herein described and step.
Detailed description of the invention
Fig. 1 illustrates a kind of communication system, wherein can connect packet switching and adopt one embodiment of the present of invention of switching between the content-based system of realization.
Should be pointed out that term " NCCRS (sub-district of network control is selected again) is to 3G " also means " the arriving the cell change command program of the network initiation of UTRAN " described in standard.
Communication system comprises 3G UTRAN1 and 2G gsm radio Access Network 2.UTRAN1 comprises the base station BS that is connected to radio network controller RNC again, and the GSM Access Network comprises the base station BS that is connected to base station controller BSC.
The RNC of UTRAN also is connected to attaching position register HLR and Gateway GPRS Support Node GGSN via 3G-SGSN.The BSC of GSM Access Network also is connected to HLR and GGSN via 2G-SGSN.
SGSN, HLR and GGSN belong to the core net of communication system.SGSN is a switch, is that packet switching service is served portable terminal in its current location.GGSN is the switch of core net, is provided to the connection of external network for packet switching service.For this function, GGSN is html (HTML) business in order to represent with " WWW " among the figure on the one hand, is connected to thecontent server 4 of content supplier via the network switch 3.On the other hand, GGSN is connected to thecontent server 4 of content supplier for the WAP business via the WAP GW (gateway) and the network switch 3.2G and 3Gradio access network 1,2 and core net also will be called communication network jointly.
Described communication network also comprises portable terminal 5.Thisterminal 5 is 2G/3G dual-mode terminals, supports GSM/GPRS and WCDMA.Therefore,portable terminal 5 can insert UTRAN1 andGSM Access Network 2.
The operator of communication network only has via the 2G system but not the 3G system provides the licence of certain content.
First embodiment of the method according to this invention that can realize in the system of Fig. 1 will be described now.
In the example initial condition,portable terminal 5 has non real-time (NRT) packet switching (PS) and connects in UTRAN1, be in connected mode when the user browses the portal.Another initial connection may be that for example packet switching in real time connects.
When portable terminal is asked certain content now, must determine in communication network whether the request that portable terminal carries out implies handoff request, because only allow this content to provide via the 2G system.
For this reason, at first must know the radio access technologies that the 3G/2G portable terminal is just using at present.When 3G-SGSN received requests for content, radio access technologies was exactly known originally, because 3G-SGSN is connected to UTRAN1, it is an only 3G network element.
Subsequently, must determine the content ofterminal 5 which kind of type of request, i.e. still 2G content type only of 3G/2G content type.In this embodiment of the present invention, the type that APN of being asked according to APN,portable terminal 5 and content are determined institute's request content.
APN is an identifier, is used for the business that professional design sign is sent to the user of terminal 5.The form that is used for APN is " my.isp.com.myoperator.fi.gprs ", and wherein my.isp.com is a network identifier, and myoperator.fi.gprs is an Operator ID.Network identifier is linked to certain business, and Operator ID shows which carrier network GGSN is in.
Like this, APN distinguishes each business, and makes it possible to limit the collection of services of certain user-accessible.APN can show the type of institute's requested service, for example WAP, HTML or Email.APN also can show the expection subnet, for example company, ISP (ISP) or the like, and/or show expection IP (Internet Protocol) version, the IPv6 that for example belongs among the GGSN supports.Physically, APN is corresponding with access point among the GGSN.In GPRS, APN is the part of PDP Context, and user's current APN is known forterminal 5, SGSN, GGSN and HLR.
APN is stored among the HLR on the one hand, is asked in PDP context activation byportable terminal 5 on the other hand.SGSN uses APN, by request APN be stored in user data among the HLR and compare and check that whether institute's requested service is through authorizing.According to APN and DNS (domain name system), SGSN further determines to support the GGSN of institute's requested service.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, different APN is assigned to 3G/2G content service rather than 2G content service only.But when 3G/2G content and 2G content time spent from two different APN only, SGSN can detect the type of institute's request content by analyzing the APN that asks, and causes switching as required.
In order to cause switching, SGSN sends handoff trigger signal to RNC.Handoff trigger signal is included in during new cell in " RAB request for allocation " the RANAP message that is sent to RNC " will carry out the switching to SGN ".According to this unconditional request, RNC carries out the switching to 2G Access Network 2.SGSN and RNC advised new functionalized only require respectively existing SGSN and RNC functional than minor change.Therefore,portable terminal 5 can be visited the only 2G content of expection.Switching in from UTRAN1 toGSM Access Network 2 adopts label " HO " to represent Fig. 1.
As precautionary measures, also should have a kind of processing only 3G subscription, promptly adopt those users' ofsingle mode 3G terminal method, these users attempt visiting only 2G content, although in some cases, they have prevented this operation at the reservation in HLR.In the solution based on APN of being advised, only 2G APN can be from the HLR of 3G subscription only gets rid of in the tabulation of the APN that allows.Like this, provide two independently APN be used for the 3G/2G bimodule service and only the 2G business also allow in addition to get rid of only 2G business from 3G subscription only.
After the GSM Access Network switches,,portable terminal 5 is remained on the 2G end atportable terminal 5 by on the A interface from the core net to BSC, parameter " HO will not be performed to UMTS " being included in the switching message.Other two possible parameters are " HO should be performed to UMTS " and " HO should not be performed to UMTS ".
Whenportable terminal 5 is converted to idle pulley once more, it will be connected to the strongest 3G or 2G cell, unless operator gives GSM sub-district high priority in the tabulation of WCDMA neighborhood.Even receive the strong signal from the WCDMA sub-district, as long as they remain on below the predetermined max threshold grade, this high priority of GSM sub-district also will remain on idleportable terminal 5 among the GSM.
In according to a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, can in thenetwork switch 3 of Fig. 1, detect content type according to the URL thatportable terminal 5 is asked.The network switch is stored on the one hand corresponding to the url list of 2G content only.On the other hand, thenetwork switch 3 analysis stream are through its whole http traffic carrying capacitys, and detect by the user asked, corresponding to the URL of 2G content only.
Below with reference to Fig. 2 to 5 explanation four kinds of basic conditions in the network switch based on the content detection of URL.Each figure from left to right comprise with corresponding to the mobile station MS of theportable terminal 5 of Fig. 1 corresponding vertical line relevant and that be correlated with RNC, BSC, 3G-SGSN, 2G-SGSN, GGSN, thenetwork switch 3, thecontent server 4 of Fig. 1.In addition, the corresponding sequence of the message that transmits between these key elements is represented by the arrow of tape label in Fig. 2 to 5.
The Fig. 2 that is distributed on three pages as Fig. 2 a-2c illustrates the message sequence that is transmitted under first situation, and wherein, when the 2G/3Gbimodulus travelling carriage 5 that is connected to UTRAN1 was only attempted visiting the 2G content, the network switch triggered and switches.
Infirst message 1, travelling carriage sends the PDP context activation request to 3G-SGSN.As a result, between 3G-SGSN and RNC, exchange RAB (radio access bearer) request for allocation and responses withmessage 2 and 3.
Next, 3G-SGSN determines user's RAT+MS type, i.e. the radio access style of the type of used travelling carriage and current use.Determine the RAT+MS type according to IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity code) scope of the radio access function of travelling carriage, SIM (subscriber identity module) and/or from the authentication vector that HLR receives.The MS+RAT type may have four values: the 3G single mode travelling carriage ofvisit 3G radio access network; 2G/3G bimodulus travelling carriage asvisit 3G radio access network in this example; The 2G/3G bimodulus travelling carriage ofvisit 2G radio access network; Perhaps visit the 2G single mode travelling carriage of 2G radio access network.Be connected at portable terminal under the situation of 3G-SGSN, the radio access style obviously is 3G.3G-SGSN inserts determined RAT+MS type and expands the field with the individual thatmessage 4 sends to the establishment PDP Context request of GGSN from 3G-SGSN.
Bymessage 5, GGSN transmits the user profile of the source IP address that comprises RAT+MS type and user to the network switch.The different PDP Contexts that should be pointed out that same user have different IP addresses.The network switch stores RAT+MS type that is received and source IP address in its database into.Like this, at this moment the network switch can be discerned it according to the IP address of having stored.The network switch is confirmed the reception of user profile to GGSN bymessage 6.
Then, " create the PDP Context response " by the message 7 that sends to 3G-SGSN from GGSN and activate the PDP Context of being asked by the message 8 " activating PDP Context accepts " that sends to travelling carriage from 3G-SGSN.
Travelling carriage belongs to the only URL of 2G content by message 9 requests that send to GGSN.
This request is transmitted to content server via the network switch with message 10.The network switch detect the URL that received corresponding to 2G content only store in the url list and exist.The network switch is to content server requests URL, and receives the URL that is asked with message 10b.Because the request travelling carriage is identified as the 2G/3G bimodulus travelling carriage that is currently connected to 3G by the network switch according to user's source IP address, so the network switch then sends between content-based system the network control sub-district to GGSN and selects (CB IS NCCRS) triggering signal again.
CB IS NCCRS triggering signal is being upgraded the PDP Context request message, is further being passed to 3G-SGSN in the Optional Field of message 12.3G-SGSN is this message interpretation a CB IS NCCRS triggering signal according to the Optional Field content, and triggers in RNC based on the sub-district of business by message 13 and to select (SB IS NCCRS) again.For RNC, select again based on the sub-district of business and to select identically again with content-based sub-district, because adopting identical business to switch cell parameters triggering cell in RNC, the both selects again.
By message 14, RNC order travelling carriage is carried out the sub-district and is selected in 2G.The RAB assignment response is sent to 3G-SGSN as message 15, and the response of renewal PDP Context also sends to GGSN as message 16.
Travelling carriage can oneself find 2G cell, and sends routing area update request with message 17 to 2G-SGSN at the 2G end.
By SGSN context request and the response in message 18 and 19 between 2G-SGSN and the 3G-SGSN, 2G-SGSN obtains the old SGSN context of travelling carriage from 3G-SGSN.3G-SGSN comprises information in the Optional Field of message 19, show that this travelling carriage is former thereby move to 2G because of content-based access.
Receive cancellation during localization message from HLR on the 3G-SGSN, by the message between 3G-SGSN and the RNC, be message 20 and 21, discharging the Iu interface.Represent in cancellation localization message first rectangle in the drawings from HLR.In the follow-up BSS packet flow context process of representing in second rectangle on accompanying drawing, 2G-SGSN shows and will not carry out the switching of UTRAN to BSC with CREATE-BSS-PFC message.Adopt the reason of this value to be, when inserting via the 2G radio when only downloading the 2G content, travelling carriage can directly not turn back to 3G, permits because this will violate content.
By message 22, the routing area update request of the message 17 of travelling carriage is accepted by 2G-SGSN.
Message 23 and 24 is used for the requests/response messages exchange between 2G-SGSN and the GGSN, so that upgrade the PDP Context among the GGSN.2G-SGSN comprises in request and shows switching (the CB IS NCCRS) information of switching.
By message 25, GGSN informing network switch, the network switch has been finished switching (CB IS NCCRS) by message 11 for it triggers the user of switching.
The network switch from its high-speed cache retrieval user when 3G holds with the URL of message 9 to the content server requests.Then, the network switch sends to travelling carriage to URL as message 26 with http.
Travelling carriage stays for some time at least at 2G end, up to it by message 27 and 28 to 2G-SGSN and via 2G-SGSN till the PDP Context that GGSN request deactivation is used to download.The IP address of GGSN identification PDP Context, and the request network switch is deleted this particular ip address of associated user from its memory in subsequent request message 29.The network switch is deleted the IP address, and responds by message 30.Message 31 by being sent to 2G-SGSN and the further message 32 by being sent to travelling carriage are until travelling carriage is finished the deactivation of PDP Context.
All other possible PDP Contexts that keep the user are till they are deactivated.The user can adopt other PDP Context to visit only 2G content, because at this moment he be in the 2G system, and puts among the 2G without any content licenses restriction.After a while, travelling carriage can be automatically moved to 3G.
Fig. 3 illustrates the sequence of the message of second kind of situation, and wherein only 2G user asks only 2G content in 2G, and walks around thenetwork switch 3.
Corresponding with first kind of situation, travelling carriage send to activate the PDP Context request to 2G-SGSN in first message, and 2G-SGSN as described above 3G-SGSN equally determine the RAT+MS type.In message 2, determined RAT+MS type is sent to GGSN once more.
GGSN recognizes that from the RAT+MS type parameter that is received this user is for 2G's only.Compare with first kind of situation, GGSN does not provide this user's IP address to the network switch, because the user can only visit any content via 2G.Therefore, this user's IP address is not stored in the memory of the network switch.
Inmessage 3 to 5, send and create the PDP Context response, carry out " BSS packet flow context " process, and transmission " activating PDP Context accepts ".These message are corresponding with the message in first kind of situation, relate to 2G-SGSN rather than 3G-SGSN onlyhere.In message 6, travelling carriage is asked only 2G URL to GGSN, GGSN then in message 7 via the network switch to the content server forwards message of " obtaining institute's request URL ".GGSN receives the URL that is asked via the network switch in message 8.
When the only 2G URL in the http that ask of the network switch identification institute stream, whether the source IP address that its inspection http flows is in its customer data base.
Owing to do not find the IP address, so the network switch is held fire in this case.
The only 2G content of therefore, being asked can directly be forwarded to travelling carriage by GGSN.
Fig. 4 illustrates the message sequence of the third situation, and wherein the network switch is refused it when only 3G subscription is asked only 2G content transmission in the 3G system.
Message 1 to 9 corresponds essentially to themessage 1 to 9 of first kind of situation, by these message, activates PDP Context, and by travellingcarriage request 2G URL only.The network switch is stored RAT+MS type that is received and the user's IP address that receives from GGSN equally once more.
But when GGSN attempts in message 10 via the network switch when content server sends " obtaining institute's request URL " message, the network switch recognizes that only 3G subscription attempts visiting only 2G content.Only the 3G travelling carriage can't move to 2G, so network switch refusal transmits content to this user.The network switch can send the suitable html page to this user in message 11, as a kind of mode of notifying this content of user to visit.
Fig. 5 is distributed in two pages as Fig. 5 a and 5b, describes the message sequence of the 4th kind of situation at last, wherein stops in the only 2G content download procedure of the 2G/3G user in the 2G system and switches.
For activating new PDP Context,message 1 to 7 in this case correspond essentially to first and the third situation in message, except relating to 2G-SGSN rather than 3G-SGSN in the message.Therefore, RAB request for allocation and the response message between 3G-SGSN and the RNC do not included.On the contrary, " creating the PDP Context response " from GGSN to 2G-SGSN afterwards, as second kind of situation, between 2G-SGSN and BSC, carry out " BSS packet flow context " process.
Then, 2G/3G user asks only 2G content by message 8.The network switch was caught this request before request enters content server as message 9.
Network exchange machine testing RAT+MS type, and recognize that this user may move to 3G during downloading the only 2G content of being asked.Violate the content permission in order to prevent this moving, the individual of the renewal PDP Context request of the network switch in message 10 expands in the field to GGSN transmission information.This information shows with not allowing this travelling carriage to switch (ISNCCRS), till receiving opposite indication from the network switch.Information is delivered to 2G-SGSN with message 11 by GGSN in upgrading the PDP Context request, and with DLUNITDATA message, be that message 12 further is delivered to BSC.Upgrading the PDP Context request is responded by the renewal PDP Context in the message 13 that is dealt into GGSN by 2G-SGSN.
In addition, the network switch receives the URL that is asked in message 10b, and in message 14 it is forwarded to travelling carriage.
After this particular content download, promptly when from the high-speed cache of the network switch fully unloading during content, and through the defined possible additional period of operator (for example by the ready timer among the 2G-SGSN), the network switch is with message 15 notice GGSN, download and finish, and can carry out switching (IS NCCRS) this travelling carriage.This switching also can be based on other standard except that institute's request content.Should be pointed out that about the information of finishing download only relevant with the download of being asked in the message 8, even the user can begin other download soon after this request.
Similar to the indication of forbidding switching, the indication that allows to switch is transmitted to 2G-SGSN with message 16 in upgrading the PDP Context request.Also notify BSC about this permission in addition with the DL UNITDATA message 17 that comprises " NCCRS should not be performed to 3G " indication.Switch restriction between the system that has set by message 12 before this indication has been removed.Request in the message 16 is responded by the renewal PDP Context the message 18 that sends to GGSN from 2G-SGSN at last.Therefore, allow the 2G/3G travelling carriage to switch to 3G once more, in Fig. 5, represent with rectangle.
Fig. 6 illustrates a kind of communication system, wherein can use of the present invention described second embodiment of the content-based switching that realizes packet switching communication in the mode of the communication system that is similar to Fig. 1.The communication system of Fig. 6 mainly comprises the same unit with the identical configuration of communication system of Fig. 1, that is thecontent server 4 and theportable terminal 5 that, have the 3G UTRAN1 of base station BS and radio network controller (RNC), 2G gsmradio Access Network 2,3G-SGSN, 2G-SGSN, attaching position register HLR, WAP GW, content supplier with base station BS and BSC.
But the system of Fig. 6 comprises the cognitive GGSN of non-business of the system of professional cognitive GGSN6 rather than Fig. 1.Because professional cognitive GGSN6 realizes the function of conventional GGSN and the function of the network switch, therefore can be directly or only by WAP GW accessed content server 4.Therefore, thenetwork switch 3 that in native system, does not need the system of Fig. 1.Professional cognitive GGSN6 also stores corresponding to the only tabulation of the URL of 2G content, and carry out described with reference to Fig. 2 to 5, by the performed function of GGSN and thenetwork switch 3.
Fig. 7 illustrates a kind of communication system, wherein can adopt the third embodiment of the present invention of switching between the content-based system of realization, but be at circuit-switched communications here.For the identical reference number of those unit distribution corresponding among Fig. 7 with the unit of Fig. 1.
Communication system comprisesportable terminal 5,3G UTRAN1,2G gsmradio Access Network 2, thenetwork switch 3 and thecontent server 4 of Fig. 1 equally.
But, compared to Figure 1, the connection of the BSC of the RNC of UTRAN1 andGSM Access Network 2 to first moving exchangingcenter MSC 1 is described.MSC1 is also connected to HLR and is connected to second moving exchanging center MSC 2.Perhaps, MSC1 and MSC2 can realize by single mobile switching centre.MSC1 and MSC2 comprise MSC server (MSS) and the media gateway (MGW) that also can be used as the separate unit realization.MSC2 is connected tocontent server 4 via the network access server NAS and thenetwork switch 3.
In Fig. 7, MSC1, MSC2, HLR and NAS belong to the core net of communication system.
The MSC1 that supports 2G and 3G is to be the switch that circuit-switched service is served travelling carriage in its current location.When 3G moved to 2G, the user remained on identical mobile switching centre's control down usually, as long as mobile switching centre supports 2G and 3G simultaneously.Therefore, only represented single first moving exchangingcenter MSC 1 among Fig. 7.Perhaps, RNC can be connected to two first different mobile switching centres with BSC, is also realized by system because switch between MSC.But, have only several first mobile switching centres relevant usually with a NAS.
MSC2 provides the switch of the connection of NAS.
NAS provides the direct access from PLMN to the IP network, thereby allows to arrive ISP (ISP) number of expection.For this reason, NAS converts the circuit switching domain signaling to the internet signaling, and vice versa.Perhaps, can be via the interconnected arrival ISP of ISUP (ISDNYong Hubufen) number of the PSTN/ISDN network that is connected to core net.Under any circumstance, communicating by letter based on above between MSC2 and thenetwork switch 3 for the described same principle of communicating by letter between GGSN and thenetwork switch 3.
The operator of communication network equally only has via the 2G system but not the 3G system provides the permission of certain content.
As for as described in according to a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, can in thenetwork switch 3, detect content type according to the URL thatportable terminal 5 is asked.
Below with reference to Fig. 8 explanation situation in thenetwork switch 3 of the system of Fig. 7 based on the content detection ofURL.Travelling carriage 5 is connected to UTRAN1 at present, and attempts visiting only 2G content with circuit-switched call.Substantially, whole process is with identical to the described process of packet switching service with reference to Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 from left to right comprise with corresponding to the mobile station MS of theportable terminal 5 of Fig. 7 relevant and with RNC, the BSC of Fig. 7, MSC1, MSC2, NAS, thenetwork switch 3 andcontent server 4 relevant corresponding vertical line.In addition, the corresponding sequence of the message that transmits between these unit is represented by the arrow of tape label in the drawings.
Infirst message 1, mobile station MS sends " foundation " request to just serving MSC1, is used for setting up and calls out.
Therefore, MSC1 determines user's RAT+MS type, the radio access style of promptly used travelling carriage type and current use.For this reason, the indication of the access capability of the used current wireless electricity of MSC1 assessment, mobile station MS that mobile station MS itself is provided and from the verify data of HLR reception.Radio access style under the present case is 3G, and mobile station MS is a 2G/3G bimodulus travelling carriage.In addition, MSC1 can receive the subscription type information SUBS that is used for this travelling carriage from HLR.Subscription type shows that the user subscribes 2G/3G, only 2G or 3G only.The user of described mobile station MS has subscribed 2G/3G.
Next, MSC1 is by BICC (bearer independent call control) interface, send determined RAT+MS+SUBS information to MSC2 in the IAM (initial address message) asmessage 2.
When circuit-switched data call was set up, MSC2 transmitted RAT+MS+SUBS information to NAS by DSS.1 (No. 1 signaling system of digital subscriber) interface in " foundation "message 3.
NAS is the information translation that is received aproprietary message 4 between the NAS and the network switch, user's IP address is added in the message, and message is sent to the network switch.RAT+MS+SUBS information that network switch storage is received and the IP address that is received, and with the reception ofmessage 5 affirmations to this information.
As alternative or additional scheme, NAS itself can store RAT+MS+SUBS information.But if the network switch has been stored the relevant RAT+MS+SUBS information of packet switching and circuit commutative field simultaneously, then not needing to distinguish will to which network element, be that NAS still be a WAP GW requirement RAT+MS+SUBS information.On the other hand, the network switch must know with to which network element, be that NAS still is that GGSN sends required handoff trigger signal, so the network switch must know that the user attempts still visiting only 2G content at circuit commutative field in packet-switched domain.Storing subscriber information is similar to RADIUS Id agency's use in the PS territory in NAS.
Then, " connection "message 6,7 sends to MSC2 and further sends to MSC1 from NAS, produces " calling is carried out " message 8 from MSC1 to the mobile station MS.
Next, RAB request for allocation and response exchange with message 9 between MSC1 and RNC, after this, set up radio bearer by the message between RNC and the mobile station MS 10.
At this moment mobile station MS can send the only request of 2G URL to the network switch with message 11a.
The network switch detect the URL that received corresponding to 2G content only store in the url list and exist.Therefore, it at first checks the stored information about the user, so as decision whether should carry out between content-based system switching switch between (CB IS HO) and this system whether feasible fully.Because the request travelling carriage is identified as by the network switch and is currently connected to 3G and has the 2G/3G bimodulus travelling carriage that 2G/3G subscribes, so switching needs for transmitting institute's request content between system, and is feasible.Therefore, the network switch sends handoff trigger signal between content-based system with proprietary message 12 to NAS.Though do not mention retrieval, forwarding and assessment to user type SUBS with reference to being used for CB IS NCCRS that packet switching connects, this parameter obviously also can be used for this situation similarly.
Need the information of content-based switching also further to be sent to MSC2, and be sent to MSC1 from MSC2 with message 14 with message 13.MSC1 explains the message as handoff trigger signal, and triggers the common switching 15 based on business in radio access network.Unique adjustment of switching being carried out because of concrete reason is, the handoff request (A-HO request) that sends to BSC from MSC1 in this context on the A interface comprises the professional cell " ISHO will not be performed to UTRAN " that switches.This cell is guaranteed that BSC will be not during 2G content is only downloaded initiate to turn back between the system of 2G to this user and is switched.In fact, this user must remain among the 2G, up to finishing data call.For switching, do not need the Iu-CS interface between MSC1 and the RNC is carried out any change.
At the message 12-15 that is used for content-based switching, the network switch sends message 16 to content server, is used to obtain the URL that is asked.Content server provides the URL that is asked with message 17 to the network switch, and the network switch is stored the URL that is received carrying out in high-speed cache when switching.
When switching between content-based system had been finished, MSC1 sent " CBIS HO carries out and confirms/deny " message 18 to MSC2.MSC2 transmits to NAS with message 19 and confirms that NAS further is sent to the network switch with it with message 20.When receiving that switching is confirmed, the network switch begins the content to the only 2G of user's download buffer memory with message 21 via 2G BSC.The user may keep its circuit switching to connect, till he arrives his/her terminal to the full content clip downloads.When download was finished, the Iu release command sent to RNC by MSC1 with message 22, and RNC returns Iu Release complete 23.Then, be released among the MSC and stop.
After the user finishes circuit-switched data call, mobile station MS once more according to traditional standard, wait as signal strength signal intensity that to select 2G still be the access of 3G system.
In the 3rd embodiment,, can adopt standardization User-to-User Signaling (UUS) and DSS.1 or the ISUP of BICC in order to transmit additional information between MSC1, MSC2 and the NAS.UUS only is used for purposes seldom at present.In content-based access notion, can use some UUS message in proprietary mode.The use of UUS in circuit commutative field to be used at packet-switched domain similar in the use that the individual who transmits the GTP-C message of RAT+MS+SUBS information and NCCRS triggering signal between SGSN and the GGSN expands field.
Alternative to UUS in the circuit commutative field is to create new ASE (Application Service Element), and it will communicate on the DSS.1 interface between MSC2 and the NAS between MSC1 and the MSC2 and by the equipment message that comprises cell by APM (application transport mechanism) message that comprises APP (application transport parameter).
The UUS and the ASE user's mechanism that all require to change over call control protocol are only to be suitable for " update routine " professional in the PLMN.The irrelevant solution of a kind of and transit network can be based on for example " calling out " signaling channel uncorrelated, makes to add to without any information to have now in the message.
Can support that 3G switches between the system of 2G to transparent and nontransparent circuit-switched data call.
Have only two kinds of accesses of GSM and UMTS all to support same data rate, switch between the system that just supports transparent data to call out, because in transparent calling, it is constant that data transfer rate must keep.For the bit rate that is higher than 9600 kilobits/second, 28.8 kilobits/second for example, have only gsm radio to insert and support identical data transfer rate, but just switch between back-up system by high speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) function.
If gsm radio inserts and do not support identical data transfer rate, switch between the system that then also can support non-transparent data to call out.In this case, data transfer rate will drop to the grade that the gsm radio access is supported.Be noted that if gsm radio inserts and support HSCSD, then data transfer rate also can remain unchanged.
Because MSC1 and SGSN do not know any situation about each other professional priority table, thus RNC be used for respectively from MSC, SGSN based on the optimal coordination point that switches between professional and content-based system or NCCRS triggers.In this case, RNC, SGSN must dispose in consistent mode with professional priority table among the MSC.
Fig. 9 illustrates a kind of communication system based on the cognitive GGSN of business, wherein can use of the present invention described the 3rd embodiment that switches between the content-based system that realizes circuit-switched communications in the mode of the communication system that is similar to Fig. 7.
The communication system of Fig. 9 mainly comprises the same unit with the identical configuration of communication system of Fig. 7, promptly has thecontent server 4 and the travellingcarriage 5 of the 3G UTRAN1 of base station BS and radio network controller (RNC), the 2G gsmradio Access Network 2 with base station BS and BSC, first moving exchangingcenter MSC 1, attaching position register HLR, second moving exchangingcenter MSC 2, network access server NAS, content supplier.
But in the system of Fig. 9, thenetwork switch 3 of the system of Fig. 7 is replaced by the cognitive GGSN6 of business.Professional cognitive GGSN6 also stores corresponding to the only tabulation of the URL of 2G content, and carry out described with reference to Fig. 8, by the performed function of thenetwork switch 3.
Figure 10 illustrates a kind of communication system, wherein can adopt realization to be used for the fourth embodiment of the present invention of switching between the content-based system of circuit-switched communications.For specifying identical reference number with Fig. 1,6, those unit that 7 or 9 unit is corresponding among Figure 10.
The communication system of Figure 10 comprises the same unit with the identical configuration of communication system of Fig. 7, i.e. 3G UTRAN1,2G gsmradio Access Network 2, first moving exchangingcenter MSC 1, second moving exchangingcenter MSC 2, network access server NAS, attaching position register HLR, thenetwork switch 3,content server 4 andportable terminal 5.
But, professional Route Selection register SRR also is provided in addition.SRR is connected to HLR, second moving exchangingcenter MSC 2 and thenetwork switch 3.
The operator of communication network equally only has via the 2G system but not the 3G system provides the licence of certain content.
As described in for the second and the 3rd embodiment of the method according to this invention, can in thenetwork switch 3, detect content type according to the URL thatportable terminal 5 is asked.But in this case, the necessity of switching is definite in thenetwork switch 3, but in second moving exchangingcenter MSC 2, determine.
Below with reference to Figure 11 switching content-based in the communication system of Figure 10 is described, wherein Figure 11 is distributed on two pages as Figure 11 a and11b.Travelling carriage 5 is connected to UTRAN1 at present, and attempts visiting only 2G content with circuit-switched call.
Figure 11 from left to right comprise with corresponding to the mobile station MS of theportable terminal 5 of Figure 10 relevant, with the RNC of Figure 10 and BSC, with the MGW1 of the MSC1 of Figure 10 and MSS1, with the MSS2 of the MSC2 of Figure 10 and with HLR, the SRR of Figure 10, NAS, thenetwork switch 3,content server 4 relevant corresponding vertical line.In addition, the corresponding sequence of the message that transmits between these unit is represented by the arrow of tape label in the drawings.
Infirst message 1, mobile station MS sends " foundation " request that is used for the coherence data calling to just serving MSS1, is used for setting up and calls out.
Therefore, MSS1 user for this reason determines this user's RAT+MS type and subscription type information SUBS, as described in reference Fig. 8.Radio access style under the present case is 3G, and mobile station MS is a 2G/3G bimodulus travelling carriage, and the user of mobile station MS subscribes 2G/3G.
Subsequently, MSS1 sends determined information and international member ringing number MSISDN (mobile user comprehensive service digital net) or IMSI to MSS2 in as the IAM of message 2.The RAT+MS+SUBS information that receives that the MSS2 storage is relevant or relevant with IMSI with this user's MSISDN.Perhaps, data can be stored among the HLR.
If the user carries out switching in the MSS that another radio inserts (2G or 3G) during data call, the RAT+MS+SUBS information of then being stored must correspondingly be upgraded by just serving MSS1.Switch if the user carries out between MSS during calling out, then grappling MSS sends RAT+MS+SUBS information to new just service MSS, and the wherein new MSS that just serves inserts this information of renewal and storage according to new radio.
Then, MSS2 transmits MSISDN information with " foundation "message 3 to NAS.
NAS adds user's IP address in the MSIDSN information to, and sends this information with MSISDN (RADIUS)message 4 based on security protocol RADIUS (IP) to the network switch when data call begins.Mapping between MSISDN that network switch storage is received and the IP address that is received, and with the reception ofmessage 5 affirmations to information.
NAS sends to corresponding " connection "message 6,7 MSS2 and further sends to MSS1, produces " calling is carried out " message 8 from MSS1 to the mobile station MS.Next, RAB request for allocation and response exchange with message 9 between MSS1 and RNC, after this, set up radio bearer by the message between RNC and the mobile station MS 10.
At this moment mobile station MS can send to the network switch with message 11 and be used for only " HTTP obtains " request of 2G URL.
The network switch detect the URL that asked corresponding to 2G content only store in the url list and exist.At this moment, the network switch is hung up " HTTP obtains " request, and via SRR notice MSS2, the user relevant with the MSISDN that is received attempted visiting only 2G content.More specifically, the network switch is known the address that belongs to the SRR that concentrates network element, and sends message 12 to SRR, shows to detect by specific MSISDN the only visit of 2G content.SRR obtains E.164 the address of meeting of just serving MSS2 with message 13,14 from HLR.The SRR-HLR interface is based on existing MAP (mobile application protocol).At this moment, SRR transmits about detecting by specific MSISDN the only indication of the visit of 2G content to correct MSS2 with message 15.
The MSS2 analyzing stored in its memory, with the relevant RAT+MS+SUBS information of MSISDN that receives from SRR.Switch CBISHO if these parameter indicatings should be carried out between content-based system, for example under present case, then MSS2 switches with the business that " RAB request for allocation " message 16 request RNC carry out GSM.For this reason, message comprises the professional IE of switching " the business switching to GSM should be performed ".
In addition, MSS2 sends corresponding information with message 17 and 18 to the network switch via SRR.When switching between content-based system when carrying out, the content that the network switch is asked from the content server retrieval by message 19,20, and with this content stores in its high-speed cache.
Simultaneously, message 16 triggers conventional professional the switching.More specifically, RNC sends to MSS2 and is used for stick holding circuit and changes " RAB assignment response " message 21 and " requiring Iu to reorientate " message 22 that flows to.After the message 23 of comprising between MSS2 and MGW1 " ADD. asks/reply to ask with MOD./reply ", MSS2 sends " A-HO request " with message 24 to BSC.Only different with conventional professional switching, this message comprises the professional cell " ISHO will not be performed to UTRAN " that switches, and is used to guarantee will not carry out between the system that turns back to 2G during only the 2G content is downloaded switch.Message 24 is confirmed to MSS2 by message 25 by BSC.Below, under feasible situation, revise bearer properties with the message between MSS2 and the MGW1 26.Then, " Iu reorientates order " sends to RNC by MSS2 with message 27, produces in the message 28 that is sent to mobile station MS " RRC-HO order ".Therefore, travelling carriage sends " R1-HO-access " message 29 to BSC, is used to insert the 2G Access Network, and BSC sends " A-HO-detection " message 30 to MSS2.In another message 31 between MSS2 and MGW1, the flow direction is changed.
When switching between content-based system is finished, mobile station MS sends corresponding " R1-HO-finishes " message 32 to BSC, BSC sends corresponding " A-HO-finishes " message 33 to MSS2, MSS2 sends corresponding " CB IS HO executed " message 34 to SRR, and SRR is transmitted to the network switch to this message as message 35.When the affirmation that receives switching, the network switch begins to download the only 2G content of buffer memory to the user with message 36.When download was finished, " Iu release command " sent to RNC by MSS2 with message 37, and RNC returns " Iu discharges and finishes " message 38.Then, release stops by the message between MSS2 and the MGW1 39.
Must be pointed out that in an alternative approach, MSS2 itself can determine the RAT+MS+SUBS information that will store.Another kind of alternative is, is not that MSS2 but MSS1 can carry out analysis to stored information to the indication of the only visit of 2G content according to detecting, and initiates as required to switch that its mode is to above described similar at MSS2.In this case, MSS1 preferably itself stores determined RAT+MS+SUBS information or it is stored among the HLR.
In addition, described the 4th embodiment of the present invention can be used for the communication system based on the cognitive GGSN of business similarly.This system as shown in figure 12.
The communication system of Figure 12 mainly comprises the same unit with the identical configuration of communication system of Figure 10, promptly has thecontent server 4 and theportable terminal 5 of the 3G UTRAN1 of base station BS and radio network controller (RNC), the 2G gsmradio Access Network 2 with base station BS and BSC, first MSS1 of mobile switching centre, attaching position register HLR, second MSS2 of mobile switching centre, network access server NAS, professional Route Selection register SRR, content supplier.
But in the system of Figure 12, thenetwork switch 3 of the system of Figure 10 is replaced by the cognitive GGSN6 of business.Professional cognitive GGSN6 also stores corresponding to the only tabulation of the URL of 2G content, and carry out described with reference to Figure 11, by the performed function of thenetwork switch 3.
Should be pointed out that the of the present invention first described embodiment that switches between the system of utilization based on APN also can be used for Fig. 6,7,9,10 and 12 communication system similarly.
The of the present invention the 5th described embodiment illustrates by the message sequence chart of Figure 13.The 5th embodiment realizes the switching based on business that portable terminal is asked.
Figure 13 from left to right comprises and RNC, BSC, the RNC of GSM Access Network of the UTRAN of user, travelling carriage, WCDMA system and the relevant corresponding vertical line of 3G/GSM MSC (mobile switching centre) of the core net that BSC is connected to.The arrow that connects corresponding vertical line and horizontal line represent to relate to the different actions and the step of user and network element.Portable terminal is registered in the WCDMA system, but also can work in GSM.MSC is a switch, is that circuit-switched service is served portable terminal in its current location.
In the initial condition of Figure 13, portable terminal is worked in the WCDMA system.Then, the user is via mobile terminal request unavailable and can only be in gsm system available transparent facsimile service in the WCDMA system.
The UMTS system request that portable terminal is registered to it should business.Just serving message between cellular system and the terminal when beginning, transmission information shows to another cellular system, promptly professional to GSM request expection.More specifically, call out request to create and send to 3G/GSM MSC via RNC, in new unit, indicate contemplated system with this message by portable terminal.
According to the information that portable terminal is provided when call setup begins, the MSC that is just serving cellular system switches by being initiated between the system of optimum decision system to handoff request between RNC and BSC transmitting system.Thereby, carry out the switching from WCDMA to GSM.In addition, the professional request of setting up is forwarded to the GSM cellular system.
When switching was finished, call setup carried out between portable terminal and GSM, with the same in the normal single system situation.After session finishes, call interruption, if the WCDMA system is still available, then GSM initiates to turn back between the system of WCDMA system and switches.
If business is set up failure switching, the i.e. switching from the WCDMA system to GSM between first system, then professional foundation is by the WCDMA system closure, and any business in the WCDMA system is set up.If professional foundation failed in the service negotiation process in GSM, then professional foundation by GSM stops, any professional foundation of in the single system situation, being carried out, and portable terminal turns back to the WCDMA system.
By the method for the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the transparent facsimile service of GSM can be used with GSM-WCDMA multisystem terminal on the whole GSM area of coverage.
In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when portable terminal needs the particular radio access technology to specific transactions, switch between executive system, because should business in utilizing the system of this radio access technologies, work more effective or more economically.
Portable terminal is the double frequency-band terminal, and it can utilize two kinds of different technologies via radio access network access communications network.Portable terminal also comprises memory, wherein stores the indication of preferred wireless electricity access technology.This memory provides in mobile device or in SIM of portable terminal (subscriber identity module) or USIM (UMTS SIM) respectively.The preferred wireless electricity access technology of being stored also is mapped to professional required particular data rate.Perhaps, preferred wireless electricity access technology can be mapped on professional some other feature, for example is mapped to the medium of being asked, is voice, video, data or fax.In addition, preferred person can only be applied to the connection of some type.Mapping guarantees that the radio access technologies of being stored only is only preferably for selected business, because preferred wireless electricity access technology may only just have advantage to these business.
Portable terminal also comprises and is used for setting up the cell of signaling to the parts of communication network transmission for the request of preferred wireless electricity access technology to add current connection to.Perhaps, new information can be added in the signaling sequence.
Communication network comprises the parts that are used to receive this request and are used for this request being considered when switching between the system of portable terminal judging.
If portable terminal is wished certain specific transactions, then at first check whether this business has been stored preferred radio access technologies.If this business has been stored preferred radio access technologies, then set up professional request and set up in connection that the request with preferred wireless electricity access technology is sent to communication network in the signaling.
The radio access network that communication network is currently connected to via portable terminal receives this request, if this radio access network does not adopt the radio access technologies of being asked, then communication network checks whether this terminal switches to the sub-district of adopting institute's request technology.Therefore, final decision is undertaken by communication network, also depends on uncomprehending other correlative factor of portable terminal in addition, as network configuration and current load condition.If feasible, then communication network will switch to the sub-district of adopting preferred wireless electricity access technology to portable terminal.Therefore, communication network can distribute the sub-district of adopting optimal radio access technologies as early as possible.After this, the understanding to preferred wireless electricity access technology that the communication network maintenance is provided is so that make portable terminal utilize this technology in the duration that connects.
Though apply the present invention to preferred embodiment explanation, describe and point out the essential characteristic that it is novel, but should be appreciated that, only otherwise deviate from spirit of the present invention, those skilled in the art can carry out various omissions, replacement and change to the form and the details of apparatus and method.For example, obviously, carrying out in fact in identical in fact mode, identical functions makes up within the scope of the present invention with these elements of acquisition equifinality and/or all of method step.In addition, should be appreciated that in conjunction with any open form of the present invention or embodiment is illustrated and/or the structure described and/or element and/or method step can be used as design alternative general considerations be attached to other any open describe or form or embodiment of suggestion in.Therefore, original idea is according to specified the limiting of the scope of appended claims.